As the days tick down to Christmas, the pressure is on to find just the right gifts. For me, books are always the perfect pressie, but I get how difficult it is to work out which one is just right, whether your scrolling an internet site or standing in front of a shelf in the bookshop.
To make it easier, I’ve put together a list of 12 fantastic books for Australian authors for all different ages and stages. Pop one of these in the Christmas stocking and you can’t go wrong!
Picture books
The 12th Dog by Charlotte Calder (ill. By Tom Jellett)
Kids will love Arlo the dog and his attempts to get back into the backyard cricket game. Perfect for summer!
I just ate my friend by Heidi McKinnon
What’s a monster to do after he eats his friend by mistake? Search for another of course. This very funny book has proved a smash hit with littlies.
Archie and The Bear by Zanni Louise (Ill. By David Mackintosh)
A boy who thinks he’s a bear, a bear who thinks he’s a boy, and a slightly mind-bending friendship. The illustrations in this book are just beautiful.
5-8 Years
The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey
There are now six books in this hilarious series about a couple of bad guys who want to be heroes. It’s funny!
Harriet Clare’s Secret Notebook (series) by Louise Park
Full of drawings, illustrated text and activities, these books look like a handwritten journal or diary and invite girls in to share the world of Harriet, and help her solve her problems.
Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables by Tim Harris
Mr Bambuckle is a most entertaining teacher, his students are remarkable and his classes are full of fun and science.
9-12 Years
The Turnkey by Allison Rushby
History and mystery wrapped up in a spooky world. Flossie Birtwhistle is a beautiful, brave young ghost and this quirky story has lots of fans.
The Wonderling by Mira Bartok
This book tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, as he seeks his destiny. This hardcover book is a lovely gift.
The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures Of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty
Beyond the gorgeous cover, this whimsical fantasy story is a grand adventure.
12+ Years
Lion : A Long Way Home (Young Readers Edition) by Saroo Brierley
A moving and inspirational story of survival and triumph. After being lost on a train in India, Saroo Brierley was adopted by an Australian family. This is the story of his search for his origins.
Take Three Girls by Cath Crowley, Simone Howell and Fiona Wood
Told from three perspectives, this is a very modern story about friendship, identity and belonging. For older readers.
Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology
Featuring some of Australia’s best YA author, this collection of short stories is brilliantly entertaining. A great way to introduce your 14+ reader to new authors!
Post Author
Allison Tait (A.L. Tait) is the bestselling Australian author of the epic middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles (a perfect stocking stuffer for kids 9+). THE BOOK OF SECRETS, the first book in her new Ateban Cipher series, is out now and proving a smash hit with boys AND girls of 9+. Find out more at theatebancipher.com
1 Comment
Charlotte Calder
December 11, 2017 at 4:45 pmThanks Alison! 🙂